An annular tear is a radiographic term for a bright zone on certain MRI sequences performed of the spine.

It is not necessarily a torn annulus, but more likely a delamination of the fibrous rings of the annulus fibrosus (the outer ring of the disc). It is usually associated with degenerative changes to hydration of the disc. With discography, a true tear shows leakage of the radiographic dye.

In brief:
Degeneration

An annular tear is a radiographic term for a bright zone on certain MRI sequences performed of the spine.

It is not necessarily a torn annulus, but more likely a delamination of the fibrous rings of the annulus fibrosus (the outer ring of the disc). It is usually associated with degenerative changes to hydration of the disc. With discography, a true tear shows leakage of the radiographic dye.
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Cracks in the outer layer of the disc that can occur with age and degeneration or with an injury which can lead to a part of the disc herniations out through the tear. Most cause no symptoms but some can lead to back and/or leg pain.

Angular means the direction of the tear and the annulus fibers are angled to begin with, not horizontal or vertical so the tears are in an angular direction usually.

In brief:
Annular tears are

Cracks in the outer layer of the disc that can occur with age and degeneration or with an injury which can lead to a part of the disc herniations out through the tear. Most cause no symptoms but some can lead to back and/or leg pain.

Angular means the direction of the tear and the annulus fibers are angled to begin with, not horizontal or vertical so the tears are in an angular direction usually.
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